I've been building rods for nearly 30 years as needed for my dad and I. I only build 2-3 a year and it really stings to experiment and have issues. So I am looking for some advice beforehand.

What is a good replacement for Gudebrod size A?

Are "sewing store" threads (Sulky) ok to use? I seem to recall reading about silicone issues. Never had "fisheyes" and don't want 'em!

Is price reflective of quality? Just thinking Gudebrod ran about $3 for 100 yds and others are $5 for 1000 yds or more. Fade issues?

All of the rods I build are freshwater spinning rods.

Thanks again!!

If you are familiar with / like Gudebrod it is available again through a couple of the sponsors. I got my last 4oz spools from Merrick Tackle. I'm not sure if they are running all the previous color choices but a few phone calls & you should know. Good replacements for Gudebrod are ProWrap (through MudHole) and FishHawk (through FishHawk or FishSticks).

Scott,

We invite you to try ProWrap threads. As posted here, thousands of very satisfied rod builders have made the switch from Gudebrod to ProWrap threads. In fact, ProWrap thread has sold over 150,000 spools of thread since its introduction a little more than a year ago, making ProWrap the #1 selling rod building thread in the world. ProWrap thread is the rod building thread of choice for some of the largest and most respected rod building companies in the world, including USA based G-Loomis, Lamiglass, Seeker, Scott, Sage, Orvis, Black Fin, Crowder and now several European and International name brands you’d recognize.

Like anything, switching to a new thread might take some time to get used to or it might require slight adjustments in your techniques. But in development for over a year and rigorously tested by rod builders and rod factories, ProWrap thread is the new standard for rod building thread. ProWrap thread is in stock and ready to ship today!! In fact no one in the world stocks more ready to ship rod building thread than ProWrap.

ProWrap™ thread is available in 139 colors in both Nylon and Color Fast – in three familiar spool sizes – 100yd, 1oz. and 4oz – representing almost 1,000 SKUs of thread in sizes A & D. The snap spools work perfectly on power wrappers. ProWrap™ thread features strong tensile strength and bright colors that have been pressure dyed for color consistency. ProWrap thread is also available in Nylon, Metallic, VersaBlend, Tiger, Metallic Braid, Color Fast, Metallic Twist.

ProWrap thread introduces the "Color Number System"â„¢ or CNS for short, which provides the rod builder the ability to easily identify colors and shades of colors based on their numbering. Pantone colors are also listed for each thread color to make thread selection and coordination simple. ProWrap swatch books are also available with the complete selection of ProWrap thread.

The minimal issues some rod builders experienced with the coiling of the metallic threads has been addressed and corrected

For additional information on ProWrap thread, contact American Tackle Company at 800-516-1750 or by email at sales@americantackle.us or purchase ProWrap thread through one of their distributors.

Regards.
Team Mud Hole Custom Tackle
Web: [www.mudhole.com]
Email: sales@mudhole.com
Toll Free Phone #: 1-866-790-RODS (7637)

Stay Connected with us:
FaceBook: [www.facebook.com]
YouTube: [www.youtube.com]
Instagram: [www.instagram.com]
Tik Tok: Tik Tok: [www.tiktok.com]
Twitter: @mudholetackle

Scott, check out FishHawk Threads. Link is to the left. Best metallic thread in the world. Their nylon was made exclusively for rod builders.

I'll second that FishHawk recommendation, it's a great thread to work with.

As for the Sewing Store threads, Madiera is probably the most commonly used, with Sulky not far behind, especially for their
specialty threads (metallics, holo, etc.,) . These threads are lubricated with silicone which can cause fisheyes, but as long as you
do 2 or 3 coats of color preserver before you epoxy, you should be good.

It is also worth noting that the size of Madiera used for wrapping (40#) is just a bit smaller than Size A wrapping thread.

~ RO

I second the recommendation for the ProWrap thread from Mudhole. I used Gudebod metallic thread exclusively until it was no longer available. I tried various other threads and was not pleased with them, until I tried the Prowrap. I love it. Give it a try, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

I really like the the Pro Wrap. There is a wide variety of color choices, wraps smoothly, and takes finish well.

Madiera is not a choice for me because, unless we are doing a weave or decorative wrap, we don't use color preserver. As Rich stated, Madiera needs it

I've been very pleased with Prowrap. The color selection is huge & they have more in stock than most will ever need.

Scott:

I talked to Angler's Workshop yesterday. They said they are getting the new Gudebrod thread in. Not all of the colors are available yet. I asked how it compared to the old stuff, and was told it looks and feels the same. I will order a couple os spools and see.

Mike Bradfrod
R.M.B. Fishing Rods
Nampa, Idaho

Just wanted to mention that we have much of the Gudebrod in stock, and now most of the FishHawk metallics and also a good supply of the regular non metallic FishHawk.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

Thanks for the feedback!

I have used Prowrap on most of my rods. I have used other brands, I just keep coming back to Prowrap.

I have also uesed Pro Wrap

But When i use 6 - 10 threads at a time the tight twist in it does not work well

I like Goldenrod or Fish Hawk to be better IMHO

Bill - willierods.com

Gudebrod is available also through Batson, they have them all in stock.
Mark